Statement from Premier Pillai on the 50th anniversary of Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

“50 years ago, on February 14, 1973, Yukon First Nations leaders presented Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow to then-Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau.

“This forward-looking document articulated a vision for a fair and just future where First Nations people would be equals in Yukon’s society, economy and governance. It was both a statement of grievances as well as a proposal of solutions.

“This proposal began a 20-year negotiation between all Yukon First Nations, the federal and territorial governments that culminated with the signing of the Umbrella Final Agreement in 1993 and 11 Final and Self-Government Agreements.

“We continue to work side-by-side with First Nations governments and the federal government to implement the Final and Self-Government Agreements. Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow was developed by all Yukon First Nations and it hoped to achieve a Yukon where all First Nations have a significant role to play in governance and decision-making.

“We are working to bring that vision to life and Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow continues to inspire and inform the reconciliation commitments of the Government of Yukon.

“This work is ongoing and continuous. Reconciliation is a path, not a destination.

“Our government has successfully hosted Yukon Forum, a meeting of the political leaders of the Government of Yukon, Yukon First Nations governments and the Council of Yukon First Nations, four times a year since 2016. The work we are doing through the Yukon Forum embodies the vision of Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow and supports a true partnership.

“Through the establishment of the First Nation School Board, Yukon University, updating the Yukon’s mining legislation, continuing to advance land use planning and modernizing the Yukon’s healthcare system, we are moving closer to the vision so well-articulated by Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow.

“I would like to thank the leaders, at all levels, who worked to develop Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow, as well as those who have worked over many decades to realize its hopes for our society.

“I encourage all Yukoners to learn more about this historic document and the transformative changes it helped propel in the Yukon. This visionary document was foundational to the Yukon’s development and remains relevant to this day.

“This week the Council of Yukon First Nations is hosting a series of celebrations to commemorate this important milestone. The events are open to the public and will be an incredible opportunity to learn more and celebrate our Yukon heritage and culture.

“We have come incredibly far over the past 50 years and the Government of Yukon will continue to work collaboratively with First Nations governments for the future of all our children.”